At a glance

PROS

CONS

Discretion not assured

Verdict

On sale since 2011, with a promise from its maker that only 4,000 examples will be produced, is the outrageously-styled Lamborghini Aventador coupe.

Taking over the V12 mantel from its Lamborghini Murcielago predecessor, the Aventador is the latest wedge-profiled supercar from the Italian brand, following in the footsteps of the Countach and Diablo before it.

Even those with little interest in cars will instantly recognise the Lamborghini Aventador as a supercar bristling with its marque’s heritage.

At first glance the roofline looks impossibly low to the ground, the whole shape accentuated by sharply creased lines, gaping air intakes and those hallmark scissor doors, which rotate forwards to permit access. For a car this wide, any assistance is tight parking spaces is welcome.

Despite the nod to its past, the Aventador’s an ultra-modern car stylistically, with an interior almost as dramatic, replete with electronics and know-how from Lamborghini’s parent company, Audi.

V12 engine and four-wheel drive

That Audi connection is reinforced further by all Lamborghini Aventadors featuring four-wheel drive, maximising the traction opportunities considering the colossal amounts of power on offer.

From its 2011 launch, the mainstay of the Aventador range has been the LP 700-4 version, featuring a 6.5-litre V12 producing 690bhp and 689Nm of torque. That urgency is delivered to the wheels via a seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox, reaching 60mph from standstill in 2.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 217bhp.

In 2013 Lamborghini announced 100 Aventador coupes would be upgraded to LP 720-4 50 Anniversario specification, commemorating 50 years of car-building by the company.

The ante was upped further in 2015 following the introduction of the LP 750-4 Superveloce, or SV for short. Not only was power increased to 750bhp, more weight was shed from the Lamborghini’s already lightweight frame, nudging top speed to “in excess” of 217mph, as well as shaving a tenth of a second from the 0-60mph time.

Other models

Lamborghini has produced some one-off aero industry-based editions of the Aventador but there has also been a Pirelli version of the LP 700-4. Produced to the firm’s 50-year association with the Italian tyre manufacturer in 2014, it features red and black paint and Pirelli-related detailing.

For those searching for a more aural experience, there’s a convertible Lamborghini Aventador Roadster available in LP 700-4 and LP 720-4 formats.

Parkers will soon drive this dramatic, Italian supercar to bring you the definitive full Lamborghini Aventador review.